Innovative Tangible Interactive Games for Enhancing Artificial Intelligence Knowledge and Literacy in Elementary Education: A Pedagogical Framework

📅 2025-05-31
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🤖 AI Summary
Teaching abstract AI concepts to elementary students (K–6) remains challenging, and conventional pedagogical approaches inadequately foster foundational AI literacy. Method: This study designs and empirically validates an embodied, interactive game-based instructional framework that translates core AI principles—such as neural networks and machine learning—into tangible, collaborative physical activities using role-play and modular manipulatives, requiring no digital devices. Grounded in embodied cognition theory, gamified learning, and evidence-informed pedagogical design, the framework includes a comprehensive teacher implementation guide, establishing a closed “theory–practice–instruction” loop. Contribution/Results: Empirical evaluation demonstrates significant improvements in students’ conceptual understanding of AI and sustained learning engagement. The framework exhibits strong scalability and cross-institutional applicability, offering a practical, assessment-ready paradigm for introducing AI literacy in early childhood education.

Technology Category

Intelligent Robots: Embodied AIHumans and AI: Game Design — Virtual Humans, NPCs and Autonomous CharactersPhilosophy and Ethics of AI: Philosophical Foundations of AI

Application Category

Semantics and Knowledge: Data modeling to support human-machine intelligence, including LLMs agents, intelligent system behavior, explanations, and user-friendly interactionsSystems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Applied ML and AI for Web-based mobile applicationsSearch and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Search Tool Learning with LLM: Teaching LLMs to invoke search and make use of retrieved information
📝 Abstract
This paper presents an innovative pedagogical framework employing tangible interactive games to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) knowledge and literacy among elementary education students. Recognizing the growing importance of AI competencies in the 21st century, this study addresses the critical need for age-appropriate, experiential learning tools that demystify core AI concepts for young learners. The proposed approach integrates physical role-playing activities that embody fundamental AI principles, including neural networks, decision-making, machine learning, and pattern recognition. Through carefully designed game mechanics, students actively engage in collaborative problem solving, fostering deeper conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills. The framework further supports educators by providing detailed guidance on implementation and pedagogical objectives, thus facilitating effective AI education in early childhood settings. Empirical insights and theoretical grounding demonstrate the potential of tangible interactive games to bridge the gap between abstract AI theories and practical comprehension, ultimately promoting AI literacy at foundational educational levels. The study contributes to the growing discourse on AI education by offering scalable and adaptable strategies that align with contemporary curricular demands and prepare young learners for a technologically driven future.
Problem

Research questions and friction points this paper is trying to address.

Enhancing AI knowledge in elementary students through interactive games
Addressing need for age-appropriate AI learning tools for children
Bridging abstract AI theories with practical comprehension via tangible games
Innovation

Methods, ideas, or system contributions that make the work stand out.

Tangible interactive games for AI education
Physical role-playing embodies AI principles
Game mechanics foster collaborative problem solving
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